Inserts for Stainless.

Inserts for Stainless.

This topic has 6 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 28 August 2015 at 21:14 by Vic.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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27 August 2015 at 12:16 #202157
Vic
Participant
@vic
I use my shop made Tangential tool for most of my work but I wasn't getting a very good finish on some stainless steel of unknown parentage the other day so I switched to one of those polished carbide inserts like this:

**LINK**

The ones I have were sold to me as suitable for Aluminium Alloy and Stainess but I'd not yet tried it on stainless. I have to say I was getting a lovely finish with it. I think I will have to get a few more inserts like this!
Advert

27 August 2015 at 12:16 #17811
Vic
Participant
@vic
Machining Stainless
27 August 2015 at 12:21 #202159
Neil Wyatt
Moderator
@neilwyatt
I was machining some particularly nasty 3/4" stainless last night. The kind that leaves a finish like a woolly jumper, even with a new insert. Then I twigged that I had experienced no trouble parting the stuff with an HSS parting tool. I switched to a solid HSS tool and instantly got a better finish.

Sometimes you just have to experiment, especially with obscure junk-box stock.
27 August 2015 at 12:32 #202162
Muzzer
Participant
@muzzer
+1 for Vic.

Mention of inserts seems to push a few peoples' buttons but this subject of polished / ground inserts has come up a few times recently. Unless you are wanting to take heavy roughing cuts, the sharper edge and bigger rake angles of these **GT inserts gives excellent results on steel (not just stainless) and also are well suited for smaller / lighter machines.

If you have indexable tooling, you really should try the ground inserts as Vic suggests. They are widely available.
27 August 2015 at 12:41 #202164
Boiler Bri
Participant
@boilerbri
I agree with Neil change the tool and experiment with different types. HHS is wonderful on most metals once you have the correct angles and shapes. I keep a set for brass and such, and one for carbon steels.

Brian
27 August 2015 at 13:24 #202172
Ian S C
Participant
@iansc
Don't be afraid to drop the speed down, this is a good case for a lathe with a back gear, low speed with plenty of torque. HSS will do most stuff to a better finish than Carbide, it just takes a little longer.

Ian S C
28 August 2015 at 21:14 #202345
Vic
Participant
@vic
Whilst I will continue to use HSS in my Tangential tool holder I'll certainly be using the polished inserts more often. I use the same insert on some Aluminium alloy today and the finish was superb. Must try it on some mild or silver steel next!
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